Itinerary of the Visits to Africa

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April 8, 2010

The Governor General to Undertake State Visits to Senegal, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to Rwanda and an Official Visit to Cape Verde

OTTAWA — At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will undertake State visits to the Republic of Senegal, from April 14 to 17; to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), from April 18 to 20; and to the Republic of Rwanda, on April 21 and 22. She will also conduct an official visit to the Republic of Cap Verde. A delegation of Canadians working in a variety of fields, including governance, women’s rights, journalism, arts and culture, civic engagement, and youth will accompany the Governor General.

The public can follow the State visits to Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Cap Verde through the speeches and photos available daily at www.gg.ca. Blogs written by Her Excellency and the delegates will be posted on www.citizenvoices.gg.ca.

DETAILED ITINERARY

STATE VISIT TO SENEGAL

Wednesday, April 14Dakar

6:50 p.m.Official arrival in the Republic of Senegal

Her Excellency will be welcomed by His Excellency Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal, and by Mr. Jean-Pierre Bolduc, Ambassador of Canada to that country.Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Airport, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

10:15 a.m.Wreath-laying at the Jambars MemorialHer Excellency will be welcomed by His Excellency Abdoulaye Baldé, Minister of the Armed Forces, and General Abdoulaye Fall, Chief of the Defence Staff. The Governor General will review the troops and will take the salute from their leader. She will then lay a wreath at the Memorial and sign the visitors’ book.Dial Diop Military Camp, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

10:45 a.m.Welcoming ceremony with military honours followed by a meeting with His Excellency Maître Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of SenegalHer Excellency will be welcomed at an official ceremony by His Excellency Maître Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal. Her Excellency will then meet with the President to discuss Canada-Senegal relations. Palace of the Republic, DakarCEREMONY OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIAPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING

11:45 a.m.Joint statementThe Governor General and His Excellency Maître Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal, will make statements to the media following their meeting.Palace of the Republic, DakarJOINT MEETING WITH ACCREDITED MEDIA

12:30 p.m.Visit to the African Renaissance Monument The Governor General will be accompanied by His Excellency Maître Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal, for the visit to the Monument, inaugurated on April 3, 2010, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Senegal’s independence.African Renaissance Monument, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

1:15 p.m.Visit to a Case des tout-petitsHer Excellency will tour a "Case des tout-petits", a daycare facility, and meet the children. Daycares are now located throughout Senegal and are attended daily by preschoolers.Ouakam Daycare, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

3:30 p.m.Meeting with the Speaker of the SenateHer Excellency will meet with Pape Diop, Speaker of the Senate.Radisson BLU Hotel, DakarPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING

4 p.m.Meeting with the Speaker of the National AssemblyHer Excellency will meet with Madadou Seck, Speaker of the National Assembly.Radisson BLU Hotel, DakarPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING

8:30 p.m.State Dinner given by the President of the Republic of SenegalHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at a state dinner given by His Excellency Maître Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal.Palace of the Republic, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA FOR OFFICIAL REMARKS

9 a.m.Address and panel discussion at Université Cheikh Anta DiopHer Excellency will host a discussion on the role of the media in the emergence of a new Africa, organized by the Canadian Embassy in Senegal, in cooperation with CESTI. The Governor General will deliver the opening address and the panel discussion will be followed by audience participation.UCAD II Auditorium, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, DakarOPEN TO MEDIA

12 p.m.Arrival and official welcome to Gorée IslandHer Excellency will travel to Gorée Island on board the presidential launch La Signare. A welcoming ceremony organized by the Gorée town hall will mark her arrival. Located on Dakar Bay, Gorée Island is one of Dakar’s 19 administrative districts. It serves as a reminder of the African slave trade and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Gorée landing, Gorée IslandOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

12:30 p.m.Visit to the House of SlavesHer Excellency will visit the House of Slaves, which depicts the days of the African slave trade. This former home of a signare, Lady Anna Colas Pépin, is now a powerful symbol of the slave trade era. The Governor General will pause for reflection at the Door of No Return, where the slaves left by boat, never to return to Africa.House of Slaves, Gorée IslandSTATEMENT TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE VISIT

1 p.m.Discussion at the Henriette Bathily Women’s Museum Her Excellency will take part in a discussion with Senegalese women known for their community involvement. The Henriette Bathily Women’s Museum, founded in 1994, is Africa’s first women’s museum. It highlights women and their contribution to Senegalese society, and on a broader level, to Africa. The museum bears the name of Henriette Bathily, a famous artist in the African dance world and an arts and culture figure during the early years of independence. Henriette Bathily Women’s Museum, Gorée IslandOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA FOR THE DISCUSSION (limited space)

5 p.m.Official departure from Gorée Island ceremonyHer Excellency will proceed to the Droits de l’Homme Esplanade to sign the visitors’ book and receive the Gorée Pilgrim Award. She will then board the presidential launch La Signare bound for Dakar.Droits de l’Homme Esplanade and Gorée landing, Gorée IslandOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

8:30 p.m.Dinner with representatives of the Senegalese societyHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at a dinner given by Mr. Jean-Pierre Bolduc, Ambassador of Canada to Senegal.Official residence of the Canadian Ambassador to Senegal, DakarCLOSED TO MEDIA

Saturday, April 17Dakar

9:30 a.m.Visit to a savings union and discussion with women who have benefited from micro‑creditHer Excellency will visit a PAMÉCAS (partnership for mobilizing savings and credit in Senegal). This savings and credit union, which now has 36 branches, was established through support from CIDA and Développement international Desjardins. Following a brief visit, the Governor General will speak with women who started up their businesses with the help of micro-credit. The Governor General will then walk through the Ouakam District and meet the merchants. PAMÉCAS in the Ouakam District, DakarOPEN TO MEDIA

12 p.m.Luncheon with local decision makers and community representativesHer Excellency will speak with guests from various sectors of Senegalese society at a luncheon.La Terrasse de Ouakam Restaurant, DakarCLOSED TO MEDIA

2:30 p.m.Art MattersThe Governor General and members of the Canadian delegation from the cultural community will take part in an Art Matters forum along with Senegalese arts and culture representatives. The social role of the artist will be discussed.Village des arts, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

7:30 p.m.Reception for the Friends of Canada given by the Ambassador of CanadaHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at a reception at Canada’s Official Residence in Senegal. She will present medallions to honour individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada-Senegal relations.Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada, DakarCLOSED TO MEDIA

Sunday, April 18Dakar

9 a.m.Official departure from the Republic of Senegal ceremonyHer Excellency will leave Senegal following an official ceremony accompanied by His Excellency Maître Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal.Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Airport, DakarOPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

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STATE VISIT TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Sunday, April 18Kinshasa

4:10 p.m.Arrival in the Democratic Republic of the CongoHer Excellency will be welcomed by Adolphe Muzito, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and by Sigrid Anna Johnson, Ambassador of Canada to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.N’Djili International Airport, KinshasaOPEN TO THE MEDIA

4:20 p.m.Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the CongoHer Excellency will meet with Adolphe Muzito, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Presidential room, N’Djili International Airport, KinshasaPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE START OF THE MEETING

8:00 p.m.Dinner with representatives of the Congolese societyHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by Sigrid Anna Johnson, Ambassador of Canada to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Official residence of the Ambassador of Canada to the Democratic Republic of the Congo CLOSED TO THE MEDIA

Monday, April 19Kinshasa

10:00 a.m. Welcoming ceremony with military honours, followed by a meeting with His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the Democratic Republic of the CongoHer Excellency will be welcomed during an official ceremony by His Excellency Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Governor General will then meet with President Kabila to discuss Canada-Congo relations.National Palace, KinshasaCEREMONY OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIAPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE START OF THE MEETING

11:00 a.m. Joint statementThe Governor General and His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will make statements to the media following their meeting.National Palace, KinshasaJOINT MEETING WITH ACCREDITED MEDIA

11:30 a.m.Speech before the National Assembly and the SenateAt the invitation of His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Governor General will give a speech to political representatives.People’s Palace, KinshasaOPEN TO THE MEDIA

1:00 p.m. State luncheon hosted by the President of the Democratic Republic of CongoThe Governor General will be the guest of honour at a state luncheon hosted by His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.National Palace, KinshasaOPEN TO THE MEDIA DURING TOASTS

3:30 p.m. Visit to the Ngaliema Clinic and round tableHer Excellency will visit the Ngaliema Clinic to meet with people who benefit from the project, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to strengthen nurses’ skills in obstetrics. The purpose of this program, implemented with the help of the University of Montreal and CHUM, is to improve nursing practices during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. The visit will be followed by a round table on women’s health.Ngaliema Clinic, KinshasaOPEN TO THE MEDIA

8:00 p.m.Reception for friends of Canada hosted by the Ambassador of CanadaHer Excellency will be the guest of honour during a reception at the official residence of Sigrid Anna Johnson, Ambassador of Canada. The Governor General will present medallions to pay tribute to people who have made significant contributions to Canada-Congo relations.Official residence of the Ambassador of Canada, KinshasaCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

Tuesday, April 20Goma, North Kivu

10:40 a.m. Arrival in GomaHer Excellency will be welcomed by His Excellency Julien Paluku Kahongya, Governor of the North Kivu Province. The City of Goma has a population of more than 800 000 and is located on the shore of Lake Kivu, next to the border of Rwanda. Goma Airport, GomaOPEN TO THE MEDIA

11:00 a.m. Meeting with the Governor of the North Kivu ProvinceHer Excellency will meet with His Excellency Julien Paluku Kahongya, Governor of the North Kivu Province.Presidential room, Goma Airport, Goma

11:45 a.m.Welcome to the advanced MONUC headquarters (eastern region), followed by working lunchHer Excellency will be welcomed by Colonel Furqan Tareen, Commander of the advanced MONUC headquarters (eastern region). From there, they will attend a working lunch with members of the Canadian MONUC Contingent based in Goma and NGO representatives working in North Kivu.Advanced MONUC headquarters (eastern region), GomaPHOTO OPPORTUNITY DURING WELCOME

2:15 p.m.Visit of the HEAL Africa Hospital and round table on sexual violenceHer Excellency will visit the HEAL Africa Hospital to see the facilities that have been set up to provide integrated services to women and children survivors of sexual violence. Afterward, she will participate in a round table with stakeholders and women survivors of sexual violence. HEAL Africa (Health‑Education-Action-Leadership) is a Congolese NGO that carries out medical, social and economic initiatives, particularly with the financial support provided by CIDA.HEAL Africa Hospital, GomaCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

5:30 p.m. Departure from the Democratic Republic of the CongoHer Excellency will leave Goma after receiving the official farewell from His Excellency Julien Paluku Kahongya, Governor of the North Kivu Province.Goma Airport, GomaOPEN TO THE MEDIA

***

STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

Tuesday, April 20Kigali

6:00 p.m.Arrival in the Republic of RwandaHer Excellency will be welcomed by representatives of the government of Rwanda and by Mr. Ross Hynes, High Commissioner of Canada to Rwanda.Kigali International Airport, KigaliOPEN TO THE MEDIA

9:10 a.m.Wreath-laying ceremonyHer Excellency will lay a wreath and pause to reflect at the foot of the memorial to the victims buried at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre. More than 250 000 bodies are buried in this mass grave.Mass grave, Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, KigaliOPEN TO THE MEDIA

9:30 a.m.Tour of the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre Her Excellency will tour the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre in the company of Mr. Freddy Mutanguha, Director of the Centre, himself a survivor of the genocide. This Centre is a place for contemplation and a memorial commemorating the victims of the Rwandan genocide.Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, KigaliCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

11:00 a.m.Welcoming ceremony with military honours, followed by a meeting with His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of RwandaHer Excellency will be welcomed during an official ceremony by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda. The Governor General will review the Rwandan guard and then meet with President Kagame.Urugwiro Village, KigaliCEREMONY OPEN TO THE MEDIAPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE START OF THE MEETING

12:05 p.m.Joint statementThe Governor General and His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, will make statements to the media following the meeting.Urugwiro Village, KigaliJOINT MEETING WITH THE MEDIA

1:00 p.m.Working lunch hosted by the High Commissioner of Canada to RwandaHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at a working lunch hosted by Mr. Ross Hynes, High Commissioner of Canada to Rwanda, along with representatives of Rwandan society and members of the Canadian delegation. The theme of the lunch will be the role of women in Rwandan society.Residence of the head of the Canadian office in Rwanda, KigaliCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

3:00 p.m.Participation in a discussion on reconciliationHer Excellency will participate as a witness at a session where young Rwandans are invited to discuss genocide, inequality, discrimination, human rights and reconciliation. These sessions are held on a regular basis at the Memorial Centre in Kigali as part of an educational program that is supported by CIDA, among others.Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, KigaliCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

7:30 p.m.State dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Rwanda Her Excellency will be the guest of honour at a State dinner hosted by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.Serena Hotel, KigaliMEDIA PRESENCE TO BE CONFIRMED

Thursday, April 22Butare

9:00 a.m.Arrival in ButareHer Excellency will arrive in Butare.Stadium Heliport, National University of Rwanda, ButareOPEN TO THE MEDIA

9:20 a.m.Wreath-laying ceremonyHer Excellency will lay a wreath and pause to reflect at the foot of the memorial to the victims buried at the Genocide Monument, at the National University of Rwanda.Genocide Monument, National University of Rwanda, ButareCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

10:10 a.m.Speech and panel discussion at the National University of RwandaHer Excellency will deliver the opening speech at a discussion on the role of the media in a democracy. This panel is organized by the National University of Rwanda in co-operation with the Office of the High Commissioner of Canada to Rwanda. The panel discussion will be followed by participation from the audience.Auditorium, National University of Rwanda, ButareOPEN TO THE MEDIA

2:30 p.m.Official welcome in the Nyamagabe districtHer Excellency will be welcomed by Mr. Alphonse Munyantwali, Mayor of the Nyamagabe district, who will make a presentation on PAGOR, the Programme d’Appui à la Gouvernance locale du Rwanda, CIDA’s biggest current project, which supports the Rwandan Decentralization Policy by strengthening local governance in two districts of the Southern Province, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru.District Centre, NyamagabeOPEN TO THE MEDIA

3:15 p.m.Round table with the Kibirizi Gender CommitteeHer Excellency will meet the women and men of Kibirizi and participate in a discussion with them. They will discuss, among other things, the growing participation of women in Rwandan society and the challenges they face. The Gender Committee includes representatives from the district, the National Women’s Council, the National Youth Council and other civil society organizations. The Gender Committee was created within the PAGOR project to ensure participation of local actors in the integration of gender considerations in local governance.Sector Centre, KibiriziOPEN TO THE MEDIA FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE DISCUSSION

Butare

4:30 p.m.Departure from ButareThe Governor General will leave the region after being seen off by Fidèle Ndayisaba, Governor of the Southern Province, and from Mr. Alphonse Munyantwali, Mayor of the Nyamagabe sector.Stadium Heliport, National University of Rwanda, ButareOPEN TO THE MEDIA

Kigali

8:00 p.m.Reception for friends of Canada hosted by the High Commissioner of CanadaHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of Canada. Her Excellency will present medallions to honour people who have made significant contributions to Canadian-Rwandan relations.Residence of the head of the Canadian office in Rwanda, KigaliCLOSED TO THE MEDIA

Friday, April 23

10:00 a.m.Departure from the Republic of RwandaHer Excellency will leave Kigali after receiving an official farewell from representatives of the Rwandan government.Kigali International Airport, KigaliOPEN TO THE MEDIA

***

OFFICIAL VISIT TO CAPE VERDE

Friday, April 23 Sal Island

3:35 p.m.Arrival in the Republic of Cape VerdeHer Excellency will be greeted by His Excellency Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, President of the Republic of Cape Verde, and by Mr. Jean-Pierre Bolduc, the Ambassador representing Canada's interests in the Republic of Cape Verde.Amilcar-Cabral International Airport, Espargos, Sal IslandOPEN TO MEDIA

3:45 p.m.Meeting with the President of the Republic of Cape Verde Her Excellency will meet with His Excellency Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, President of the Republic of Cape Verde.VIP lounge, Amilcar-Cabral International Airport, Espargos, Sal IslandPHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING

4:15 p.m.Joint StatementThe Governor General and His Excellency Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, President of Cape Verde, will make statements to the media following their meeting.Amilcar-Cabral International Airport, Espargos, Sal IslandJOINT MEETING WITH MEDIA

8:00 p.m.Official Dinner Hosted by the President of the Republic of Cape VerdeHer Excellency will be the guest of honour at an official dinner hosted by His Excellency Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, President of the Republic of Cape Verde.Hotel Morabeza, Santa Maria, Sal IslandMEDIA PRESENCE TO BE CONFIRMED

Saturday, April 24

10:45 a.m.Meeting with the President of the Municipal Chamber of SalHer Excellency will meet with Dr Jorge Figueiredo, President of the Municipal Chamber of Sal. Her Excellency will tour an exhibition of Canadian schooners that were used to transport goods and passengers among the islands of Cape Verde at the beginning of the last century.Sal City Hall, Espargos, Sal IslandOPEN TO MEDIA

11:30 a.m.Tour of the Pedra de Lume SaltworksThe Governor General will visit the Pedre de Lume saltworks, accompanied by His Excellency Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires (TBC), President of Cape Verde, and Dr Jorge Figueiredo, President of the Municipal Chamber of Sal. Sal Island was named for the discovery of salt at Pedra de Lume in 1833. Its saltworks operated until the mid-1980s.Pedra de Lume Saltworks, Pedra de Lume, Sal IslandOPEN TO MEDIA

12:30 p.m.Luncheon and discussion with local decision-makers and community representativesHer Excellency will meet with guests representing various sectors of Cape Verde society during a luncheon.Restaurant Odjo d’Àgua, Santa Maria, Sal IslandCLOSED TO MEDIA

2:45 p.m.Discussion with representatives of Valorizar Sal and community receptionHer Excellency will visit the offices of the Valorizar Sal organization to meet with officials and program participants and to take part in a discussion on problems affecting Sal Island youth. Valorizar Sal invites people to participate in their community and show their solidarity, and is setting up a community radio station that will strengthen ties among Island residents. The establishment of the "Alternativa de Morro Curral" alternative community radio station has been made possible through financial support provided by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. The discussion will be followed by a community reception to bid farewell to the Governor General.Offices of Valorizar Sal, Espargos, Sal IslandOPEN TO MEDIA

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The detailed itinerary in each country follows this news release. Please note that scheduled activities can change without notice. All times indicated are local time.